Winnipeg, MB – At 12:39 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to a report of a fire in a one-and-a-half storey, single-family home in the 1000 block of Chevrier Boulevard.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found smoke coming from the house. They entered and fought the fire from inside, declaring it under control at 1:05 a.m. Damages were mostly contained to the room where the fire originated.
All occupants of the home safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical malfunction of a clothes dryer. Residents can reduce the risk of these types of fires by following these important tips:
- Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional to ensure it is in good working order.
- Do not use the dryer without a lint filter and always clean the filter after each load of laundry.
- Periodically check the venting system to ensure there is no lint buildup and it is not damaged, crushed, or restricted.
- Make sure the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer is running.
- Never leave a dryer running when leaving your home.